The Baltimore Ravens signed the undrafted free agent and former Vanderbilt quarterback, Diego Pavia, with a three-year deal. Even though he tried to find his footing in the rookie minicamp, it is going to be an uphill ride for Pavia.

Initially, a contract was not part of Baltimore’s plan. But since Pavia had a stronger purpose to attend the rookie minicamp, he competed for the role strongly. But already two more undrafted quarterbacks were waiting in the minicamp, trying to prove themselves.

The Ravens signed the UConn Huskies' Joe Fagnano as an undrafted agent and also invited former James Madison University quarterback Billy Atkins to attend the minicamp on a tryout basis.

Both of them would be in competition with Pavia, causing a hurdle in their way to make it to the roster.

Fagnano comes in as a strong competitor for Pavia after throwing for 3,448 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and one interception in 2025. He was even a 2025 Heisman candidate and 2024 Fenway Bowl MVP.

Also competing is quarterback Atkins, who recorded a 52.2% completion percentage in three years with James Madison.

As reported by USA Today’s Nate Davis, following Pavia’s attendance on the final day of rookie minicamp, head coach Jesse Minter discussed the quarterback’s performance.

“And, so now, he's in the door.” Minter stated. “And it's like, ‘Show us what you can do, let the chips fall where they may.’”

Pavia attended the rookie minicamp on May 2, and he was not throwing deep passes to wide receivers during team drills because they were still learning their routes. However, he delivered a strong performance during his individual drills.

Amidst the competition brewing in Baltimore, Minter made his feelings clear about Pavia.

Jesse Minter Sees Strong Potential In Diego Pavia

After missing the Heisman Trophy and ending up as a runner-up, his journey in the NFL took a slow start as he remained undrafted in the 2026 NFL draft.

However, he was an elite dual-threat quarterback in college. Last season, Pavia recorded 3,539 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. He led the Commodores to a 10-3 record after a 7-6 season.

This made Minter hopeful about what Pavia brings to Baltimore.

“This guy, I know the program that he came from, I know a lot of people that worked with him, kind of what I think he is as a person − really, really hard worker − I think he really helped elevate that program in the SEC, playing against really good competition,” he said.

Minter worked as Vanderbilt’s defensive coordinator during the early years of coach Clark Lea’s tenure and says the two remain close friends.

Prior to the NFL draft, Lea told Vandy on SI that he believes Pavia has the tools to enjoy a long NFL career regardless of the draft outcome.

What are your thoughts on Pavia’s future in Baltimore? Share in the comments.

Read more at Quarter Back Central.

Written by

Monika Khatai

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar